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Environmental Husbandry Manual Click here for CONTENTS Page No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the author - For contact details see about the author |
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Individual Methods for Feeding
Methods - Practices
Starve Days
The practices outlined in this section relate to methods of food presentation that do not require the use of special materials or devices. Scatter feeds, use of specific locations, and methods of ensuring that specific animals receive required medications and dietary supplements are dealt with.
Starve Days |
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| Method | On random days throughout a month, no food is provided for the animal. | |
| Species | Owls, Large Cats (Panthera). | |
| Purpose | Provide unpredictability in the environment. | |
| Pro | Allows more time to be spent on other tasks on days when the section is short-staffed. | |
| Con | Potentially stressful to the animals. | |
| Improvements | It is vital to do this on a random basis, as predictable starve days cause greater stress and exhibition of abnormal behaviours. | |
| Comments | Starve days should not be used during the breeding and rearing period, as animals must be confident that there will be sufficient food for young, or will fail to reproduce successfully. There is little to suggest that this method benefits long-term captive animals, though it may be a useful training aid for reintroducing animals to the wild, if they are allowed to retain cached food. | |
| Frequency of Use | 6-7 Days per Month. | |
| Ratings | Usefulness | 10/10 |
| Convenience | 10/10 | |
| Value For Money | 10/10 | |
| Range of Users | 10/9 | |
| Contributed By | Bird Section / Carnivore Section | |